Kilo Tac officer aids Haiti relief effort

Kilo Company Tactical Officer Maj. Jacob B. Raser was sitting down to dinner with his wife Monday night, Jan. 25, when he received a call for a supply and evacuation mission to Haiti.

Three hours later, Raser, a pilot in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, was in the cockpit of a C-17 bound for Haiti on a relief mission.

“We were able to deliver 55,000 pounds of supplies for a U.S. Army humanitarian unit working at the airport in Haiti,” Raser said. “We were also able to evacuate 76 adults and children, some of whom needed medical care.”

Even though the flight was supposed to only be a quick night trip for Raser, a delay in North Carolina where the relief supplies were loaded onto his plane extended the trip. Raser landed in Haiti Tuesday morning and returned to Charleston the same afternoon.

“When something like this happens, it is remarkable to see the number of volunteers from all the military services. I feel fortunate to help in such a small part but also know that there are volunteers that will be working in Haiti long after the media has moved on to the next story.”

Raser is a C-17 pilot and a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

By Cadet Robert Matrix Palmer

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